Tim Kelly, Esq. recognized for dedication to pro bono legal services The Lackawanna Bar Association has awarded Tim Kelly, Esq. of Needle Law Firm with an award in honor of his dedication to pro bono legal service in Lackawanna County and the outstanding delivery of pro bono legal services. This award is in memory of Attorney Samuel Fallk, who, over a long career in Lackawanna County, dedicated countless hours to providing pro bono legal services. Pro bono legal services are offered to underserved members of the Lackawanna County community who must meet stringent income criteria in order to qualify for the free services.
Women in Philanthropy to Host Panel Celebrating Women Who Shaped Lackawanna County Women in Philanthropy, an initiative of the Scranton Area Community Foundation (SACF), will host Women Who Shaped Lackawanna County: A Panel Discussion Celebrating Past Contributions and Present Impact on Tuesday, September 15, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Scranton Area Community Foundation, 612 Jefferson Avenue in Scranton. The event is free and open to the public and will celebrate the generations of women who have helped shape Lackawanna County through leadership, philanthropy, volunteerism, advocacy, service and civic engagement. Held as part of SACF’s continued America250PA commemoration, the program will bring together leaders from four local organizations with deep connections to the region’s history and community life. Panelists will share stories of women who came before us, the organizations they helped build and the ways women continue to strengthen Lackawanna County today. “For generations, women have played a defining role in shaping Lackawanna County—building organizations, strengthening neighborhoods, responding to community needs, and creating opportunities for others,” said Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO of the Scranton Area Community Foundation. “As we commemorate America’s 250th anniversary, this event gives us an opportunity to celebrate that remarkable legacy while also recognizing the women whose leadership, generosity, and service continue to move our community forward today.” Women in Philanthropy was founded in 2014 on the belief that when women come together, they can make a meaningful difference in their community. The initiative creates opportunities for women to learn, connect, give, volunteer and lead while turning individual contributions into collective impact. Guests attending the program are also invited to visit the America250PA bell located at the Scranton Area Community Foundation before or after the event. Titled A State of Giving, A City of Hope, the one-of-a-kind bell was designed by local artist Cherie Fruehan and unveiled in September 2025. It is one of more than 100 bells placed throughout Pennsylvania as part of America250PA’s statewide Bells Across PA initiative commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States. The bell was sponsored by SACF with generous support from Susan and Dorrance Belin and celebrates the region’s history, generosity, and hope for the future.
United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike encouraging people to Dress Down for Dolly United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike is asking employers to encourage their employees to Dress Down for Dolly on September 25. Employees can dress down, wear some pink and add some Dolly Parton-inspired sparkle, or simply celebrate the day together. Those who participate are also encouraged to donate either $9, $2 or $5 (in honor of 9/25) to United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike. Every dollar raised will support Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Lackawanna County, which provides free, age-appropriate books directly to children from birth through age five. To date, more than 110,000 books have been sent to children throughout Lackawanna County through the program, with over 2,800 kids currently receiving books each month. If a dress-down day doesn’t work for your organization, you can consider hosting a bake sale, setting up a “Dolly Day” coffee jar, holding a small raffle or creating your own fun way to honor Dolly Parton.
Leadership Lackawanna accepting applications for Fall 2026 Executive Program cohort Leadership Lackawanna is accepting applications through Tuesday, September 8 for its Fall 2026 Executive Program cohort. The Executive Program is designed to assist professionals in becoming more engaged in the community, broadening their social network and increasing their overall knowledge of the greater Scranton area. Through weekly sessions, participants meet key business and community leaders and receive an overview of Lackawanna County’s history, economic/political structures, cultural affairs, community events/activities, civic groups and recreational/leisure amenities. Sessions are conducted one evening per week, for six consecutive weeks, at various locations throughout the community. Each session is held from 5:00-8:00 p.m. and includes cocktails and dinner. The program is open to public and private sector administrators/professionals in executive-level positions. Candidates must have industry experience that demonstrates a steady career progression. In addition, candidates must live, work or play in the greater Scranton area and should possess an interest in learning how Lackawanna County functions and a commitment to enhancing the area’s economy and quality of life. Learn more about the program and apply by clicking here.
Annual 2nd Chance Festival scheduled for September 17 Outreach Center for Community Resources is promoting the annual 2nd Chance Festival, which supports housing for people coming out of the Lackawanna County Prison and raises awareness about successful community reintegration. The festival will be on the Lackawanna County Courthouse Square, located at 200 North Washington Avenue in Scranton, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on September 17. There will be live music, vendors, community information and raffle baskets. You can get more information about the festival and learn about sponsorship opportunities by contacting Jennifer Shoemaker at (570) 558-7573 or Katie Schnurr at (570) 558-7568.
Lackawanna Blind Association’s memorial golf tournament rescheduled The Lackawanna Blind Association’s 39th annual William J. Jordan, M.D. “Swing for Sight” Memorial Golf Tournament has been rescheduled to Monday, August 17, at Glen Oak Country Club in Clarks Summit. The event was rescheduled due to the weather. The tournament will feature a Captain & Crew format, as well as a $10,000 hole-in-one prize and skill-based contests. Community members, business leaders and supporters are welcome to take part in the tournament, which supports programs that empower people who are blind or visually impaired throughout Lackawanna and Susquehanna Counties. The cost to participate is $225 per golfer. You can register or get more information about the tournament by calling 570-342-7613 ext. 5 or by clicking here.
Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce Hosts PennDOT Officials for Capitol Conversations Series Elected officials, along with business and community leaders, gathered at The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce on June 19, for another Capitol Conversation series, featuring a transportation and infrastructure update from the Pennsylvania Secretary of Transportation Michael Carroll and PennDOT District 4 Executive Jonathan Eboli, P.E. Secretary Carroll addressed transportation funding challenges and their impact on PennDOT projects, including the addition of third lanes along spans of Interstate 81 the status of proposed Scranton-N.Y. passenger rail service, and the proposed Scranton Beltway projects. District Executive Eboli and Secretary Carroll gave updates on upcoming infrastructure investments throughout Lackawanna County, including improvements to Keystone Industrial Park Road, bridge preservation work on the North Scranton Expressway, the rehabilitation of Cedar Avenue and Spruce Street, and a future bridge replacement project on West Lackawanna Avenue. The officials also highlighted Operation Yellow Jacket, a partnership between PennDOT and the Pennsylvania State Police aimed at improving work zone safety. Recent legislation and speed cameras have helped reduce speeding in work zones, but he noted continued efforts are needed to protect workers. Capitol Conversations is an informational series sponsored by The Chamber under the Government Affairs Committee. The sessions feature elected and appointed officials speaking with Chamber leaders and members on topics of importance to the business community.
Day of Caring Returns after Two-Year Hiatus The United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties is pleased to announce the return of the Nancy Jackson Memorial Day of Caring, Thursday, September 1st, 2022. “Day of Caring was always a day we circled on our calendar,” said Gary Drapek, President and CEO of the United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties. “Canvassing Lackawanna and Wayne County with a band of volunteers eager to participate in community service projects exemplifies the United Way. A community resource for community resources.” As years past, the 28th Annual Nancy Jackson Memorial Day of Caring, kicks off The United Way’s Campaign for Lackawanna and Wayne Counties. “It’s always been an energizing opening to an essential campaign season that helps so many vital programs in our community throughout the upcoming year,” added Drapek. United Way’s Day of Caring is named after long-time philanthropist and friend of the United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties, Nancy Jackson Matthews. Since Nancy began Day of Caring 28 years ago, the program flourished under her guidance and leadership, receiving state-wide and national recognition. More than 15,000 volunteers have contributed in excess of 75,000 hours to complete more than 1,000 projects in Lackawanna and Wayne Counties. Nancy helped coordinate more than $2 million worth of in-kind projects. However, it is the tens of thousands of individuals in need whose lives have been touched by Nancy’s passion and dedication that are her true legacy to our community. “We are humbled to continue honoring Nancy’s imprint on this community, so many years after her passing,” said Barry Snyder, Vice President of Community Outreach of the United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties. Companies, volunteers and agencies are encouraged to contact Barry Snyder, Vice President of Community Outreach, bsnyder@uwlc.net, to see how they can get involved. Whether it’s a company encouraging their employees to perform a day of community service, members of the community that’d like to volunteer their time or an agency requesting help with a project that enables them to continue their mission to move forward. All inquiries are welcomed. “We’ve been gearing up for this day for over two years now. We are excited to safely welcome back everyone to a fulfilling day of service and community,” Drapek said.
CAC/NEPA’s “Pinwheels for Prevention” Campaign will Start April 1, 2022 In recognition of April as Child Abuse Awareness Month, the Children’s Advocacy Center of Northeastern Pennsylvania (CAC/NEPA) will initiate its “Pinwheels for Prevention” Campaign on Friday, April 1, 2022. The CAC/NEPA team members and volunteers will plant pinwheels on the lawn of the Lackawanna County Courthouse from noon through 4 p.m. The pinwheel symbolizes a transformation of awareness into action. It became the national public symbol to raise awareness of the importance of families and communities working together to prevent child abuse and neglect. It connotates children’s playful, cheerful, joyous nature and is a physical reminder of the happy, carefree childhoods all children deserve. This April, you can make a difference in the lives of the children we serve by sponsoring a Pinwheel to be planted at the Lackawanna Courthouse lawn or hosting a pinwheel garden at your home or work to support child abuse awareness. The largest pinwheel garden will be planted at the Lackawanna County Courthouse lawn and remain there for the entire month of April. Each pinwheel will represent a child victim of abuse or neglect that received services at the Children’s Advocacy Center of Northeastern Pennsylvania. In 2021, the CAC/NEPA provided599 children with the services needed to begin their healing journey and prevent trauma from lasting effects on their lives. The public can sponsor an individual pinwheel or order their garden by visiting: https://cacnepa.networkforgood.com/projects/152748-2022-pinwheels-for-prevention. The Children’s Advocacy Center of Northeastern Pennsylvania (CAC/NEPA)is a private, non-profit, charitable organization whose mission is to provide excellence in assessing and treating child abuse and neglect. The designated child abuse center for Lackawanna County, the CAC/NEPA, also provides medical assessments and child forensic interviews for victims of abuse and neglect and coordinates a multidisciplinary team response to child abuse and neglect in Lackawanna and surrounding counties of Northeastern Pennsylvania.Since opening its doors in 1998, The Children’s Advocacy Center of NEPA has helped more than 18,000 children and adolescents. All funds raised will further the Children’s Advocacy Center of Northeastern Pennsylvania’s mission.For more information about the CAC/NEPA, please call the center at 570-969-7313 or visit the CAC/NEPA’s website: www.cacnepa.org.
Lackawanna College Environmental Center Receives $5,000 Donation from FNCB Bank FNCB Bank presents a $5,000 Education Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) donation to Lackawanna College. The donation will help support the K-12 program at the Lackawanna College Environmental Education Center. The center provides student programs that offer unique, educational opportunities for children and teenagers on a variety of environmental and conservation topics. Since 2010, FNCB has contributed just under $2,500,000 to local educational and scholarship organizations through the EITC initiative. From left: Mariellen Walsh, Lackawanna College Associate Vice President for College; Laurel Radzieski, Lackawanna College Manager of Grant Strategies; and Deb Kennedy, FNCB Bank Vice President, Retail Market Manager. FNCB Bank, locally based since 1910, has announced a $5,000 Pennsylvania Education Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) donation to Lackawanna College. The donation will help support the K-12 program at the Lackawanna College Environmental Education Center. The center provides student programs that offer unique, educational opportunities for children and teenagers on a variety of environmental and conservation topics. Since 2010, FNCB has contributed just under $2,500,000 to local educational and scholarship organizations through the EITC initiative. The support of Lackawanna College is part of FNCB’s larger Community Caring initiative. As a true, local community bank, FNCB Bank is making a difference through volunteerism, donations and outreach programs.
